Meethaq to chase Carbine Club

Lightly-raced three-year-old Meethaq will target the Group Three Carbine Club Stakes on Derby Day after scoring an omen win at Caulfield today.

A half-brother to Mnemosyne, who won the Thousand Guineas at the corresponding meeting six years ago, the Danny O'Brien-trained Al Maher colt scored an upset win in the Catanach's Jewellers Plate (1600m).

Ridden by Dwayne Dunn, Meethaq settled fifth of the eight runners and had the odds-on favourite Collar ($1.70) beaten early in the home straight.

Second favourite at $4.40, Meethaq scored by 1-3/4 lengths from First Course ($12) while Collar was a distant three lengths further back in third place.

O'Brien was always hopeful that a five-kilogram turnaround in weights would give Meethaq a winning edge after Collar won the Listed Doncaster Stakes at Flemington last start and Meethaq finished fifth.

"He had no luck at Flemington as he was back on a leaders' track," O'Brien said.

"Today he was able to settle handier and we were always confident he would run the mile right out.

"His family have always been strong milers."

O'Brien said there no Derby aspirations for Meethaq, but he may give him his chance to stay in the autumn.

"A mile is as far as he wants at this stage," O'Brien said.

He said the Group Two Sandown Guineas (1600m) was another option for Meethaq on November 12.

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Photo by Bruno Cannatelli, to view Bruno's website click here